Energetics and model simulation of impact fracture of brittle solids

A model for crack growth in brittle solids is developed using a cubic lattice system on the basis of release and transfer process of strain energy. The fracture pattern caused by an impact shock on the surface of brittle solids is explored by means of computer simulations. The simulations show that the pattern of impact cracks and the energy released by impact cracks are dominated by the distribution of strain energy. Morphology and energetics of impact fracture in brittle materials are discussed on the basis of the results of simulations.